Christmas Starts In September

There is no other country that I know that celebrates Christmas the longest except this country. As September comes, the first “ber” month, temperature starts to plummet and a number of radio stations introduce carols in the air.

This is the official start of Christmas in the Philippines and ends on the Feast of Epiphany the following year.

Yuletide carols, the first sign of Christmas spirit permeating the airwaves serve as a reminder for families to prepare for Christmas 10 weeks away. Although this is a Third World country, it is customary that there is food on the table on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) no matter how simple and humble for a family to share. Exchanging of gifts is common in the upper class while giving something no matter how modest like a pair of shoes, a toy, a pair of pants, a t-shirt or anything new to one another in the family if afforded is done by most. The value of the gift does not matter but the sincerity and love of the giver. For the unfortunate who cannot afford material celebration or refuse to observe a “commercialized Christmas”, they prefer to practice the happiest season of the year by following their religious disciplines.

As December 25 draws closer, the surrounding metamorphoses into a city of toys, lanterns, other Christmas symbols; imported fruits, commodities and anything Yuletide. People get busier in setting parties and spending for Christmas day.

Behind this blissful setting, the true meaning of Christmas, a religious observance in origin, dissolves.

No one can gainsay that Christmas is too much commercialized now. If that is true in other countries why must the Philippines follow the course when its culture is deeply rooted in Christianity?

. . . A wife from a village a week before Christmas went to the sparkling city to buy a replacement of a broken baby Jesus figurine for her Nativity scene (Belen). There she saw people come and go spending heavily in festive mood. From store to store she went asking if they carry a statue of baby Jesus she could put in her “Belen”.

She was not able to find one.

Back in the house, he told her husband that she was not able to buy a replacement but bought a super glue instead hinting that the pieces be put together. The husband meticulously and patiently glued together the pieces of the broken figurine. When done, their youngest daughter said, “Dad, the baby Jesus is very beautiful although the cracks are visible . . . "

The story is simple but its meaning is enough to melt a hardened and callous heart like Mary Magdalene's and Saul's.

These days, Jesus is difficult or even impossible to be found in our midst. If found, we see how he is disfigured because of our lukewarm faith and love in him or even our willful refusal to love him by not loving our neighbors in need as a start. We cannot recognize him because our vision is impaired with the dust of materialism and greed. How disappointed is one who comes to give the greatest gift but only to find out that we are busy adorning our "golden calf".

Christmas is a time of hope, peace and love. May the lengthy observance of Christmas in the Philippines urge us to rediscover our faith and celebrate Christ’s birth as it must be --- spiritually.

Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas) to one all from us here in the Philippines!-30-

"Tito, I'm Getting Married"

Agnes* was barely 17 years old when she tied the knot with Jim, her school sweetheart in California. One should not be mistaken to believe that Agnes (Ness) is physically infantile. She can match or rather be more blessed in figure than any of the sophomore showbiz icons in the country.

June (her Dad) was my classmate and twice a year when they come home, he always asks me to go to their house and cook my recipes and share a drink with him. His wife, a nurse on a managerial level is more avid in picture and video-taking. She always brings with her one of the currently best SLR digital cameras, a semi professional video camera and lighting equipments. The family knows that I learned photography and film-making but I primarily use the craft as a hobby and occasionally as a sideline. So after cooking before I turn tipsy, Ness’s Mom usually asks me to take their pictures, some in portraiture or a random family video.

After finishing elementary from one of the finest exclusive schools, Ness left for the US at the age of 12. While her Mom was away, she was under the care of her Dad and paternal grandparents.

Agnes is like a daughter to me. When June could not bring her to school or pick her up, he asks me to do it. Before they left for the States, June or I can go to each other’s house at will to play chess, the guitar; discuss pressing political issues or simply to hang around with old friends and relatives.

Whenever she has time, Agnes e-mails me twice a week. It is interesting to read how she describes living in her new country and the cultural differences she has to overcome.

When she was 16 and some months, she wrote me that she already had an American boyfriend with 100% Filipino ancestry and fluent in Tagalog. In my generation, to have a boy/girlfriend at that age elicits bad-mouthing and sharp eyes of parents if not spanking. I asked if June and Judy know it. “Yes, Tito (endearment address) they know. In fact, I already introduced Jim to them.”

“What was their reaction and what did they say?” I asked curiously.

“They were cool but they pointed us out to study first, respect one another and ‘know the consequences’ of our actions if we go over the limit which they warned, we don't have to do. Jim has also introduced me to his family."

When June called and greeted my daughter on her birthday, he repeated what Ness told me about her relationship with Jim. After talking with him at length, I reminded June that entering into a relationship sometimes serves as an inspiration that could work wonders. He agreed.

On her 17th birthday, it was a surprise of all surprises when Ness informed me that she is getting married in June of that same year. “I’m getting Married, Tito.”

“How can you do that when you are very young and still going to school? “

“Tito, I explained everything to Mom and Dad and they understand where I’m standing at. I said that after marriage, Jim and I can look for a job and hopefully, we can find our own place.”

“And your explanation was . . . ?”

“I was in tears when I honestly told them that Jim and I could no longer hold ourselves in not having sex. I told Mom and Dad that I know that I am very young and did not finish school but we will look for a job to support ourselves. Also, I told them the possibility of having a baby at a very young age but hopefully they understand that it is better to marry at a tender age instead of having pre-marital sex or pregnancy outside marriage.”

I got Agnes’s moral value but it was hard for me to understand June and Judy’s disposition in giving away their only child to the man she loves.

Not long after her confession to me, June told me that Judy will send my roundtrip ticket to San Francisco and back for the wedding and requested me to be the official photographer.

Jim and Agnes married with the bride's parental consent.

The rest is a history.

Today, Agnes and Jim have a beautiful daughter and they are working in New York City where they have their close relatives. Their in-laws gave them lavish help although they work hard for their family and future. I understand that Agnes’s and Jim’s parents agreed to share and purchase a new house and dole cash as gifts for their children. The rent of that house in California augments the income of the young couple and their going back to school.

Defiant or call it courageous, Agnes wrote me recently that she has no regrets and that she and Jim are very thankful to their parents and in-laws for all their support and love. She admitted though that life is difficult but they chose it so and that they must stand on it and move on.

As a final thought, Agnes is absolutely correct that sex has no place outside marriage from the point of view of the Catholic faith but I am very sorry that the little child who practically grew up with me is now a wife and a mother at a very tender age. Her main point in marrying commands respect. She was just 16 when she made that decision in a culture where it is totally different from ours.

Luckily, they are in the richest nation where the American dream is always possible to achieve.-30-
_______________

*All names are changed

Heroes Come and Go - The Battle Is Now Ours

National Heroes Day is celebrated on the last Monday of August. It is actually a commemoration of the Cry of Pugad Lawin wherein Andres Bonifacio, head of the Katipunan, an underground revolutionary movement, challenged his subordinates to start an armed revolution against Spain by tearing their cedulas (tax and identification certificate) as a token of rebellion.

I cannot help but turn emotional imagining the events at that time. It was the epitome of centuries of subjugation, oppression, brutality and pillaging of our natural resources. For the Katipuneros, (members of Katipunan) it was a now-or-never situation. They knew the consequences such as heavy casualty on their side and the uncertain future of the revolutionary movement or even a humiliating defeat. Imbued with a deep sense of patriotism, they never looked back and went to the battlefield.

The Spaniards were superior in arms compared with the Filipinos’ ancient weapons of spears and bolos. Yet, Filipinos were determined to fight and end centuries of colonial rule as their golden gift to future generations. They gave their lives and bequeathed us the liberty they failed to enjoy. Sadly, we today have the boyish attitude to take for granted the hardship and sacrifice our ancestors endured and gave when we are more allured to do wrong than good for the welfare of this country and its citizens.

We remember the big names from our history books those who opted to fight instead of remaining nonchalant. These are the men and women during the Spanish regime, Japanese and American Occupations and yes, the gallant and courageous Filipinos who did the impossible-sounding job of dismantling a fascist dictatorship that swept the land. Included here were the intellectuals and student leaders who were never seen again. If seen alive or dead, they were barely recognized even by their loved ones as a result of sadistic torture. Desecrated bodies bore signs of Nazi-style execution and torment --- slow and painful death. For the lucky ones they are happy to be around although some are physically or mentally incapacitated --- a painful remembrance of the brutality of the dictatorship.

We remember all those who did their share, no matter how pivotal or humble including the nameless and faceless Filipinos for the winning of the freedom and liberty we today enjoy.

With deep regrets, the fragility of these institutions remains constant. The Sword of Damocles is always out from its scabbard threatening the hard-earned freedom, democracy and liberty we enjoy because of selfishness and personal interests. We blame ourselves for this because of our habitual indifference in choosing to elect leaders whom we can “enslave” to care for our needs and help us get closer to the universal aspiration of prosperity and peace.

Once more, in less than 10 months, we are given a chance to select our leaders. Good luck to us and good luck to the candidates but we must remember the saying of a sage:

“Freedom is not free. It must be worked for. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

Heroes and heroines come and go. Now is the time for us to carry the torch of bravery and patriotism they carried and be ready to hand down the same responsibility to the younger generation when our time is up.

For the heroes and heroines who gave their lives, rest in peace and continue to pray for our country. For those who are alive, we have still a lot of work to do. The battle is now ours and so with victory! Above all, “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.” (Thank you very very much.)-30-

Ninoy, What A Sacrifice You Gave!

The entire Filipino nation remembers the unmatched heroism of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. who gave us his life. He came from the United States not as an enemy of the Marcos dictatorship but to seek peaceful solution in freeing the Filipinos from the shackles of a brutal regime. He was not able to step on the Philippine soil alive. He was gunned down despite the presence of hundreds of security personnel at the Manila International Airport.

Ninoy was blessed to have come from a well to do family. When he was locked up after the declaration of Martial Law, he could have just hanged up his political gloves, enjoyed his family and the blessings of his material wealth.

He did not. He continued to fight an iron-fisted regime determined to do anything to remain in power and continue its atrocities against its people.

When he remained in the States after his heart by-pass operation, he could have easily sought political asylum there.

He refused. He was determined to come home whatever the cost to spearhead the emancipation of Filipinos from an unwanted regime.

He came back. He was murdered.

Ninoy triumphed in death for it was the birth of the soon famous Filipino People’s Power Revolution that sent the dictator away in haste. (When Mr. Marcos left, they found hot food on the table.)

Ninoy said in Los Angeles, “Believe me Mr. President; I will dedicate the last drop of my blood in fighting your dictatorship!”

True, he did.

Heroes are not born. They are made and carved out from one’s deep love of his homeland and people.

The Philippines is forever grateful and indebted for Ninoy’s heroism. We cannot ask for more from him and from his wife Cory who restored our cherished democracy and freedom. It is for us now to take care the freedom and democracy restored out from blood, sweat and tears.

This is my small way of saying “Maraming salamat Ninoy at Cory.” (Thank you very much Ninoy and Cory.) May we learn from both of you the meaning of patriotism and may we have the courage to love the Philippines as you did no matter how insignificant or low our contributions could be.-30-

Tridentine Mass, I Missed It

The faithful, after Vatican II, had to learn participating religiously with the new form of the Mass said in the vernacular. From organ-only musical instrument allowed or recommended for Church services, guitar (acoustic or electric), flute, clarinet, piano and even drums now give accompaniment to vernacular songs.

However, the Catholic Church did not prohibit the saying of the Mass in its official language, Latin. Vatican II as an ecclesia semper reformanda (The Church eternally reforms and adapts.) brought the Church closer to the believers by adapting herself with the era. One of these is the use of a language the faithful understands.

I remember the years when as a boy, I used to serve Mass in Latin. I must admit that I memorized the responses sans understanding what they mean until I found an Ordo Missae with English translations.

I missed the Latin Mass because of its "solemnity" and "uniformity". By "solemnity", I mean that the faithful show reverence to the proceedings. In those years, people go to Church with modest clothing plus a veil for women. I remember that on Saturday afternoons, I used to wash and iron my attire for the Sunday Mass.

In "uniformity" I mean the actions of the priest and the faithful from the first sign of the cross to the final blessing were exactly the same not only in our archdiocese and in the Philippines but throughout the world.

These days, the word solemn has lost some of its grace. It bothers me to see people in the Church talking uselessly, exchanging hellos, kisses and showing other distractions. Sometimes during summer or at their convenience we see both sexes during liturgical services in shorts or in short shorts. Ladies wear spaghetti-strapped shirts, some body fit; others in low neckline showing their cleavage, bra outline or the strap. Said otherwise, the attire is improper and irreverent inside a house of worship. It’s not that one should wear signature clothes in the Church. They must be modest, neat and fit the nature of the place.

The priest now can say anything not included in the Lectionary. He can also change the words of the Eucharistic Prayers or add something. He can ad lib if he wants to. The faithful now imitate some of the gestures of the priest while offering the Mass. Songs such as the pop My Sweet Lord, Let It Be, Morning Has Broken and Today to name a few are now sung in the Church instead of those lovely Gregorian Chants. I am not saying that the pop genre has no place in the Church but if I remember it right, the last Vatican Council defines what songs are to be sung during the liturgy.

Vatican II introduced lectern instead of the pulpit for delivering the homily, today, the priest can go anywhere in the Church to deliver a sermon or homily sometimes without merit. While offering the Mass, some priests act as if they are appearing before a movie camera that they have to pose and act.

For some Catholic Traditionalists, they claim that a lot are leaving the Catholic Church because of the Mass which is no longer said in Latin. Personally, I see no scientific basis for that claim. A true believer and member of a particular faith must be obedient and respectful to his/her Church. In the case of Vatican II which has caused a lot of stir and controversies to some, it was promulgated by the Blessed Pope John XXIII and culminated by Pope Paul VI. As the Supreme Pontiff, the Pope as a successor of Peter has the authority in convening the Council.

Whether the Mass is in Latin or in any language, believers must show respect and reverence when going to Church especially when participating in a Mass. It is a Catholic belief that Christ is in-fact physically and spiritually present during Mass. Although Latin and vernacular Masses have the same substance, the former, personally, is more solemn.

How I wish that the solemnities I witnessed and experienced during Mass and other Church services before Vatican II will also be experienced by the present generation ad maiorem Dei gloriam.-30-

Writing on the Wall For Pres. Arroyo

Before the recent presidential visit of Philippines’ Gloria Arroyo to Washington DC --- hopefully her last as head of state, I expected it to be extensively covered by the foreign press. I was wrong. Here at home, there were crumbs of news about the visit but gradually eclipsed by the death of Tita Cory. Had there been comprehensive media coverage, the people’s interest would have been swerved to the wake of Cory anyway. We lost interest in our president who is indifferent with our pressing needs and of the government.

Mrs. Arroyo’s and company’s fantastic and unbelievable dinners at $15,000 in Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in DC and the $20,000 in Manhattan at Le Cirque have become more popular than the purpose of the trip.

The comparison is that a father eating steak and lobster while his children eat salted smelt. This dad has no conscience watching his kids punished with crumbs while he feasts. This allegory represents the president and other government dads and most of us desperately living to make both ends meet and in some cases, literally agonizing in unbelievable poverty --- unbelievable as to the food they greedily feasted on.

It is recalled that prior to Mrs. Arroyo’s US departure, US Defense Sec. Robert Gates and US top spy Leon Panetta did lighting visits in the country prompting us to think what really their intents were. Sec. Gates was here after North Korea tested its latest nuclear weapon. The press said in précis that Sec. Gates urged the Philippines to be vigilant and determined to fight internal and external terrorism threat. Also; the country and neighbors in the Pacific ream were urged to be cohesive in denouncing North Korea’s military adventurism in the region.

I don’t have any information that in the past the Philippines was visited by a CIA Director. If one or two came, the visit was under wraps unlike the trip of Mr. Panetta heralded by the press. Rumors claim that after meeting the press, Mrs. Arroyo and Mr. Panetta had a closed door one on one talk. Your guess is as good as mine on the range of private issues they discussed. The press said that Mrs. Arroyo briefed security issues to Sec. Gates and Director Panetta. Nothing is new on what she told them for the simple reason that the US through the CIA knows exactly what is going on in this country. What the US knows about the internal affairs of the country is even more accurate than Mrs. Arroyo’s.

The visit of the two prompted Sen. Rodolfo Biazon to infer that Mrs. Arroyo was summoned by Pres. Obama to the Oval Office. I disagree with the senator for his claim is not supported by evidence. He could have just been out from bed when he said that.

As an observer, I believe (perhaps in total error) that the United States warned Mrs. Arroyo not to manipulate the Constitution like Marcos so that she can remain in power aka Prime Minister; May elections must be pushed through and she must not impose Martial Law.

Puzzling bombings in Mindanao cities and even in the capital region were detonated before Mr. Panetta came. Mrs. Arroyo was quoted telling the CIA Chief not to worry about the explosions in the country.

How stupid is that?

It is recalled that Marcos through his evil genius sent men in uniform to terrify the people by throwing bombs in Manila streets which he later claimed to be perpetuated by the Communist a means for him to declare Martial Law.

Is history on the repeat now?

Right now, the nuclear powered carrier USS George Washington is here on a “goodwill” tour. Is the purpose of the visit really as such or otherwise? Have anyone heard about Oplan August Moon? This is described as a "self coup" plot that aims to install members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 and other PMAers in key positions as part of a scheme to keep the President in power beyond 2010. (Mrs. Arroyo is an honorary member of PMA Class ’78.) Rumors say that this self coup would take place on the first week of August, the exact time when the US carrier is here. Did the US know before hand about Oplan August Moon? The carrier, one of the most advanced in the US arsenal is on standby within the Philippine territory for any eventuality to restore democracy and the rule of law if necessary. It is difficult to believe but it is true that one, just one F-16 can put the Philippine Army to its knees in a matter of an hour or less.

The probable explanation of this American “intervention” is to safeguard its national interests in the country and for Mrs. Arroyo to uphold the rule of law and decency. The United States learned its lesson when it gave its total support to Marcos, turned dictator. He oppressed his people by slaying democracy, obliterating human rights and ransacking its coffers. With scandals and stories of corruption that involve the First Gentlemen and the cohorts; exacerbated by stories of rampant graft in the government the United States is not on the side of Mrs. Arroyo.

Not to be forgotten is the EDSA-1 spirit profusely revived by the death of Cory Aquino, the icon of democracy and yes, decency. At this time and hopefully till the polls in May and beyond, Filipinos are fired up with the spirit of patriotism that if needed, they are ready to go to the streets again and peacefully say NO to another president who wants to be in power longer than necessary. We learned that democracy and freedom are not free. We must be eternally vigilant to keep their cauldron shining brightly.

And this is another warning to Mrs. Arroyo although it is not new: “You can fool some of the people some times but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”-30-

$20,000-Dinner In New York

I don’t have the exact figure but most Filipinos are living below the poverty line. In some cases, a number of families do not enjoy three square meals a day while others literally live a life of an astray animal by scavenging the trash for a morsel. Whenever food and care come to my mind, it pains to know that pet dogs in America live a better life than some Filipinos. In the States, these dogs have insurance. They are well fed. They even have toys and are exercised. They sleep on a cushioned bed. Their owners give them showers whenever it is necessary and they visit a veterinarian whenever there is a slight symptom of illness.

Sad to say that in this country, a lot of families and individuals do not enjoy such Stateside doggy privileges. The difference is that the suffering and cruelly marginalized or abandoned in this country are human being clothed with dignity and in a religious sense; they carry the face of God.

The recent dinner of Pres. Arroyo and her entourage in the States drew a lot of furor when in downtown New York City; a battalion of Philippine officials headed by the president spent $20,000 in one of its finest restaurants at Le Cirque. Filipinos must not forget that through their tax, they feed these officials. Elected officials in turn must know that their paycheck comes from the people they serve. With that amount, all mouth-watering food and good-tasting wines were at their disposal. If proper etiquette of tipping was observed, another $3,000 (15%) was given to the staff for their service.

When the issue spread like a fire in the prairie, Mrs. Arroyo said in defense that there is no tax payer’s money spent in that unimaginable meal. Instead, Filipinos were informed that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (probably a close kin of Imelda Marcos) picked up the tab. Mrs. Arroyo's apologists continue to say that it was just a simple dinner. Filipinos are not that stupid to buy that. Simple dinner at the cost of $20,000? Come on!

This is disturbing. How could a Philippine member of the Lower House who probably receives an annual salary of say, $10,000 spend $20,000 in a couple of hours just for food and drinks?

Most probably, the president is lying. If she is not, the people find it difficult to believe her explanation because of her low rating in terms of popularity and trust which is as good as nil. Assuming that a congressman indeed shouldered the bill, was it appropriate or ethical for Mrs. Arroyo to accept a $20,000 gift?

Even if the bill came from personal sources, it was inappropriate and scandalous for officials from a country perceived to be very corrupt to exhibit such bragging and insensitivity in time of economic downturn and abject poverty.

So, at Le Cirque, the party had a sumptuous French dinner and drinks. Back here in the country, some Filipinos missed one or two of their daily meals. Some were in the Smokey Mountain or in the garbage dumps searching for food. A number could have died because of hunger.

The president and some in her party are known to be schooled by respected universities and colleges here and abroad. Some were educated by the religious like the president. My question is: Did they enjoy their food when they know that here at home people are dying because of poverty and hunger? People are living like animals because of neglect; don't they? People are abandoned by those in power in exchange of their uncontrolled appetite to power and wealth as if these who are in dire poverty are no longer human being. After this life, can they bring a centavo to their final destination? (See Luke 16:19-31 for a related story.)

What probably were the New Yorkers or those who read the article have in mind about our officials eating fantastic food for $20.000? They know that we are a Third World country and for sure they know that our government is rated "A" in terms of corruption and graft!-30-

Aquino-Marcos Family Reconciliation?

One wonders if the recent appearance of Bongbong and Imee Marcos, children of Pres. Marcos, on the wake of Cory Aquino is the opening salvo for the Marcoses and Aquinos to reconcile.

The feud between these two families is deeply rooted in politics. Before the imposition of Martial Law, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr, one of the most outstanding senators in his time was a vocal critic of Mr. Marcos although they were fraternity brothers. Ninoy, on the Senate floor divulged the Oplan Sagittarius, a top secret plan for the imposition of Martial Law. I doubt if the people then really believed that a military rule would be imposed in a country thriving under an American form of democracy.

The unthinkable happened. On September 21. 1972, Mr. Marcos dropped a bomb in the Philippines by proclaiming Martial Law. That was the end of democracy, liberty, freedom and the beginning of a fascist dictatorship that brought death, suffering, abuse, neglect, alienation and bastardization of Filipinos.

Immediately, opposition senators, press people, student leaders, and anyone who opposed Martial Law were incarcerated without due process. Some disappeared --- later to be found in shallow graves or never found at all. Some were tortured beyond recognition. The Congress and media outlets were padlocked for good. Martial Law was the evil lurking in the country before a terrified citizenry.

Ninoy was perceived as a possible successor of Marcos in the event of an elections and he was brave in facing the powers that were. For this reason, he was given the cruelest punishment in order for his spirit and mind to be destroyed.

Aquino took all the punishments and he survived.

Fast forward . . .

When Ninoy came home in 1983, he was gunned down in the tarmac despite hundreds if not thousands of security details in the area. The Aquinos point their finger at Malacañang for his brutal assassination as most Filipinos believed so. Cory, his widow, picked up the torch of freedom from her fallen husband and continued to fight for the emancipation of the Filipino people from a brutal regime. That torch became brighter when through the help of Filipinos literally facing tanks, machine guns, helicopters, Armalites, Uzis, Ghalils, and Bazookas kicked out an unwanted president from office.

Cory resurrected democracy and freedom.

In brief that is the summary of the families’ feud.

Reconciliation is a Christian act. I am in favor that the Aquinos and Marcoses settle whatever differences they have. One should not wait death to curtail such opportunity.

Nonetheless, as conditions for such reconciliation if ever it takes place, I agree with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel that the Marcoses must repent and apologize to the Filipino nation for all of their sins while they were in power. The mastermind of the brutal assassination of Ninoy must be known. They must return to the government everything they allegedly stole.

The catch-word is “repent and apologize”. I mean a sincere repentance just like what Mary Magdalene did in essence to Jesus that she cried a lot of tears in remorse wiping His feet with her hair. And I mean an apology stemming from a 360-degree conversion like that of the apostle Paul..

If the Marcoses can do these sincerely in the true spirit of reconciliation vis-à-vis the Aquinos and between them and the Filipino people, I think that the Aquino orphans and Filipinos are not stone-hearted people not to accept repentance, reconciliation and a new relationship.

The Aquinos and Marcoses should not only be looking for reconciliation but all warring factions and elements in the country. It is time that the country has to move forward and catch up with our neighbos in their success.

"To conquer an enemy is to make friends with him."-30-

A Filipino Message

The tremendous adulation and respect lavishly showered to Pres. Cory Aquino from the time she was secluded to the Makati Medical Center, during her wake till her interment should be a message to the enemies of democracy in the Philippines.

Eulogies and anecdotes about Tita Cory as a head of state, a private citizen, as a Catholic, a doting mother and a friend could be written on reams of paper. Memorable stories along these lines in good times and in bad picture the political, religious and private personality of a woman who restored democracy and freedom to a nation once in agony under dictatorship.

Now that Cory belongs to the immortals, it is time for the Philippines to be in their senses and see the reality.

The political situation in the country is unpredictable. No one is sure what comes next before the national elections in May. Will there be elections to start with? Will Mrs. Arroyo remain in power (forever)? Will there be Martial Law or simply said, State of Emergency? (Same dog with a different nomenclature.) Will explosions continue to rock the streets of Manila and other major cities? Will there be another EDSA Revolution?

Political analysts and Op-Ed writers vary in their perception on whether elections will be held or not. Some believe that polls will push through while others have dissenting opinions.

There are eerie signs that Pres. Arroyo wants to extend herself in office. Her cohorts of allies in the House of Representatives are bent in pushing for the amendment of the Constitution so that Mrs. Arroyo could be a Prime Minister. Before the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, we recall, explosions wreck havoc in the streets of Manila. Oppositionists at that time believed that those were part of a grand design authored by the presidential palace for the imposition of a one-man rule. And did anyone forget that Marcos manipulated the Constitution for his political convenience?

Recently, explosions rocked again some major cities of the country. Who can stop wild suspicions that history is now repeating itself?

If Marcos is Mrs. Arroyo in disguise, I believe that there will be no elections. Aside from her uncontrolled appetite for power, Mrs. Arroyo wants to prolong her tenure to buy time to find her minions in the judiciary who will be merciful to her and her husband who are accused of massive graft and corruption and other scandals. No one knows when she will be out from power but everyone expects Mr. and Mrs. Arroyo et al to face charges before the court of law.

Whatever Pres. Arroyo has in mind, she must be very careful in her political adventurism. Filipinos today, just like in EDSA I, are united and possessed with patriotism as brought about by the passing of a well-loved and respected president in the person of Cory Aquino.

That spirit is here to stay and serves as an inspiration for the people to search and elect deserving candidates for the May polls.

Old wounds are opened anew as we remember the sufferings and struggles during the Marcos regime. From nowhere in those difficult times. Cory entered into the scene; faced the dictator in the snap elections; emerged victorious and restored democracy and freedom viciously slain by her predecessor.

That is the eternal debt of Filipinos to Cory and her husband Ninoy who sacrificed more than what could be ask from them.

With 150,000 supporters of democracy giving their final respect to Cory braving the rain, tropical heat, fatigue and long time of waiting to have a final glimpse of her, I believe that these are willing to go back to the streets to fight for democracy if necessary. The Aquino orphans vowed to keep the fight and continue what their Mom and Dad started in preserving democracy and the rule of law. Included in this number are the rich and influential from the business, religious and civil sectors --- the same people who contributed food, drinks, manpower and paraphernalia to the millions fighting for democracy during EDSA I.

A hundred and fifty thousand is an enough seed to warn Mrs. Arroyo that her staying in office longer than her tenure is unacceptable to the Filipino citizens.

As the grateful nation she emancipated bids adieu, most wept in sending Cory off even those in uniform. They were not crocodile tears. And remember, tears can be translated into action in preserving the fragile democracy we live in. In the past and now, Filipinos copiously shed tears because of abandonment and neglect. The government and its leaders who were supposed to take care of them prefer to work for their personal aggrandizement and selfish ends in the midst of grinding poverty. This must be stopped once for all!

Camaraderie, pride in being a Filipino and unity have clasped us once more like the way we were in 1986 People’s Power. Let us maintain this kind of involvement regardless of our stations in life and if necessary, we have to pay the price so that we can bequeath a better nation for the coming generations. Freedom is not free and its price is eternal vigilance. We are one nation, one people with one aspiration: a truly democratic Republic of the Philippines with competent and selfless officials whom all can depend and count on.-30-

Tita Cory, A Fond Farewell!

Written and said many times, the Filipino people and the Republic of the Philippines are forever deeply indebted to you Mrs. Aquino for gallantly restoring democracy, freedom, liberty and decency to a people and a country that suffered years of brutality, fear, alienation and conjugal dictatorship.

At this crucial time in our history when shades of the dark past flash anew in our midst, we need your voice to inspire us once more to remain strong, united, determined and focused to fight for our dreams for a better Philippines, a better government and a better set of public officials. You left us too soon Tita but who can question the will of God?

Now that you are in the great beyond, remember in your prayers our country and us while we heed your final wish that we pray for one another and for the country. Thank you for what you and Ninoy gave to the country --- your selfless sacrifice and patriotism. Your humility and preference to be ordinary by refusing special treatments although you deserve them make you extraordinary. For your strong faith, we thank you --- you showed us to love and trust God even in time of great adversity, trials and sickness.

Rest in peace Tita Cory and until we meet again. Thank you and may the Father welcome you with an open arm, tight embrace and a sweet smile before He shows you His heavenly place which we all long to see.

May the Lord bless and keep your orphaned children, Ballsy, Viel, Pinky, Noynoy and Kris.

Farewell!

“ . . . [A]nd, when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”

(Romeo and Juliet Act III, Scene 2)